Research

Project Details:
In diesem Projekt werden in einem transgenen Mausmodell die Folgen einer Sertoli Zell-spezifischen Deletion des Connexin43-Gens auf den Differenzierungszustand der somatischen Sertoli Zellen untersucht.

Cooperation Partners:

Klinische Forschergruppe Giessen + Marburg

http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/fbz/fb11/forschung/forschergruppen/kfo_181/home

Project Details:
Mit Hilfe verschiedener molekularbiologischer (z.B. Microarray Analysen, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR) und zellbiologischer (WB, IHC, IF) Methoden werden in diesem Projekt präpubertäre Mäuse (Tag 8 p.p.) der verschiedenen Genotypen des SCCx43KO-Mausmodells von Tag 8 untersucht. Interessante Gene (z.B. DMRT6, DMRT7, SOHLH1, etc.) werden vergleichend an humanen Hodenbiopsien mit normaler und gestörter Spermatogenese untersucht.

Results:

http://dmm.biologists.org/content/5/6/895.long

Cooperation Partners:

Dr. Daniela Fietz, JLU Giessen

Prof. Dr. Martin Bergmann, JLU Giessen

Klinische Forschergruppe Giessen + Marburg

http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/fbz/fb11/forschung/forschergruppen/kfo_181/home

Project Details:
Erkrankungen der Beckenregion des Pferdes stellen u.a. aufgrund der starken Bemuskelung dieser Region und der Unzugänglichkeit einzelner Strukturen oft eine diagnostische Herausforderung dar. Zum Teil ist die Wertigkeit von klinischen und bildgebenden Befunden im Beckenbereich hinsichtlich ihrer Bedeutung als Lahmheitsursache unklar.
Pferde mit Erkrankungen der Beckenregion (d.h. des knöchernen Beckens, der Beckengürtelmuskulatur, des Hüftgelenks, des Kreuz-Darmbein-Gelenks, des Lumbosakral-Gelenks) werden klinisch, ggf. mittels diagnostischer Betäubungen, ultrasonographisch und röntgenologisch untersucht. Es erfolgt eine vergleichende Auswertung der bildgebenden Befunde hinsichtlich ihres diagnostischen Wertes, ggf. unter Einbeziehung von Sektionsbefunden. Die Erkrankungen werden falls möglich medikamentell oder anderweitig behandelt, und der Behandlungserfolg wird langfristig nachverfolgt.

Results:

Geburek, F., Wagels, R., Markus, R., Kampmann, C., Peters, M., Stadler, P. Ultrasonographische Panoramabild-Darstellung als Ergänzung der klinischen und röntgenologischen Diagnostik von Frakturen im Bereich des Beckens bei Pferden. Pferdeheilkunde 2005, 21 (6): 517-524.

 

Geburek, F., Rötting, A.K., Stadler, P.M. Comparison of the diagnostic value of ultrasonography and standing radiography for pelvic-femoral disorders in horses. Vet. Surg. 2009, 38 (3): 310-317.

 

Sauer, F.J., Hellige, M., Beineke, A., Geburek, F. Osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joint in 24 horses: Evaluation of radiography, ultrasonography, intra-articular anaesthesia, treatment and outcome. Equine Vet J. First published online Jan 7 2024.

https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.14053

Funding: DFG (RA 502/20-1 and others), Volkswagen-Stiftung, DAAD (PhD/reinvitation fellowship to BR, SR, RoR, RiR, AH), private donors, Biopat e.V.; Small Rufford Fund

Project Details:
A central question in evolutionary and conservation biology is how and to what extent species adapt to habitat fluctuations in their natural environment and to what extent environmental flexibility is linked to distribution and speciation. We address these questions in a longterm research programme by a comparative and integrative approach to nocturnal lemurs, a unique model for basal primates. Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar. Current research revealed a much higher species diversity in nocturnal lemurs than previously assumed. Lemurs underwent a broad-scale adaptive radiation after their initial colonization of Madagascar about 60 Mya. Extant lemurs consist of more than 100 species which inhabit the various forest habitats of the Island. Many species, in particular nocturnal species, have only been described recently, partly by our group. The underlying colonisation history and the factors driving this diversification are so far only poorly known. Here, we aim to understand the factors that promoted this radiation and shaped distribution, adaptation and genetic structures of lemurs. We are also addressing the question of the basis of reproductive isolation of species. These analyses are focused on the genera Microcebus spp., Lepilemur spp. and Avahi ssp. Whereas some species within a taxon show quite limited, others show broad distributions. Nocturnal lemurs belong to the endangered primates due to anthopogenically caused habitat degradation and poaching. We perform field studies, supplemented by experimental studies, particulary in north-western, northern and eastern Madagascar, using comparable methods, to study the ecology, behaviour, communication, parasite infections and the genetics of populations of lemurs of the same taxon showing contrasting distribution and to assess sensory, vocal, ecological and social determinants of species flexibility and its link to genetics. Our current research focus is on mouse lemurs, sportive lemurs and woolly lemurs. Results will deliver important tools to monitor and manage the biodiversity in tropical forests. Furthermore they will be a first step to understand the evolution of the unique species diversity of lemurs in Madagascar and the origin and evolution of our own primate ancestry.

Results:

e.g.

Ganzhorn, J.U.; Ratovonamana, Y.R.; Rother, M.; Giertz, P.; Andrews, C.A.; Baumann, S.; Bohr, Y.E.-M.B.; Kappeler, P.M.; Montero, K.B.; Pommerening-Roeser, A.; Radespiel, U.; Rakotondranary, J.S.; Schülke, O.; Steffens, K.J.E.; Thorén, S.; Timmermann, G.; Tomaschewski, I. (2023): Nutritional and possible pharmaceutical aspects of tree exudates eaten by lemurs of Madagascar?s dry forests. Separations, 10, 575. https:// doi.org/10.3390/separations10110575

 

Schüßler, D.; Blanco, M.B.; Guthrie, N.K.; Sgarlata, G.M.; Dammhahn, M.; Refaly, E.; Rina Evasoa, M.; Hasiniaina, A.; Hending, D.; Jan, F.; le Pors, B.; Miller, A.; Olivieri, G.; Rakotonanahary, A.N.; Rakotondranary, S.J.; Rakotondravony, R.; Ralantoharijaona, T.; Ramananjato, V.; Randrianambinina, B.; Raoelinjanakolona, N.N.; Rasoazanabary, E.; Rasoloarison, R.M.; Rasolofoson, D.W.; Rasoloharijaona, S.; Rasolondraibe, E.; Roberts, S.H.; Teixeira, H.; van Elst, T.; Johnson, S.E.; Ganzhor, J.U.; Chikhi, L.; Kappeler, P.M.; Louis Jr., E.E.; Salmona, J.; Radespiel, U. (2023): Morphological variability or inter-observer bias? A methodological toolkit to improve data quality of multi-researcher datasets for the analysis of morphological variation. Am. J. of Biol. Anthropol., 183, 60-78. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.24836

 

Marquès Gomila, C.; Kiene, F.; Klein, A.; Kessler, S.E.; Zohdy, S.; Rakotondravony, R.; Durden, L.A.; Radespiel, U. (2023): Host-related and environmental factors influence long-term ectoparasite infestation dynamics of mouse lemurs in northwestern Madagascar. Am. J. Primatol., 85(6), e23494. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23494

 

Springer, A.; Durden L.A.; Kiene F.; Klein, A.; Rakotondravony, R.; Ehlers, J.; Greiman, S.E.; Blanco, M.B.; Zohdy, S.; Kessler, S.E.; Strube, C.*; Radespiel, U.* (2023): Molecular phylogenetics of the sucking louse genus Lemurpediculus (Insecta: Phthiraptera), ectoparasites of lemurs, with descriptions of three new species. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 20, 138-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.02.002 (*: joint senior authors)

 

Kessler, S.; Tsangaras, K.; Rasoloharijaona, S.; Radespiel, U.; Greenwood, A.D. (2023): Long-term host-pathogen evolution of endogenous beta- and gammaretroviruses in mouse lemurs with little evidence of recent retroviral introgression. Virus Evolution, 9, 1-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ve/veac117

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Dr. Blanchard Randrianbinina (BR), Université de Mahajanga, Madagascar

Prof. Dr. Solofonirina Rasoloharijaona (SR), Université de Mahajanga, Madagascar

Dr. Romule Rasoloarison (RoR), Université de Mahajanga, Madagascar

Dr. Rindra Ramanankirahina (RiR), Université de Antananrivo, Madagascar

Alida Hasinianina, PhD, Madagascar

Mamy R. Evasoa, PhD, University of Mahajanga, Madagascar

Dr. L. Chikhi, Toulouse University, France and IGC, Portugal

Prof. B. Crowley, University of Cincinnati, USA

Groupe d'Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar

Prof. J. Ratsimbazafy, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar

Funding: Ministerium für Energie­wende, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Natur, 71.822 EUR

Project Details:
As the most common marine mammal species in Schleswig-Holstein, sick or dead seals cause most of the seal hunters' missions. In close cooperation with them, the animals are transferred to the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) in Büsum for further examinations. These examinations include the complete, standardised autopsy of selected animals, further examinations such as histology, bacteriology, virology, serology and parasitology, as well as the collection and preservation of samples for later analyses or other research projects. The final assessment of the causes of disease and death serves, among other things, to record risk factors for the seal populations in Schleswig-Holstein. In addition, possible human (anthropogenic) influences on the seals will be analysed. However, the investigations will also examine the possible significance of the growing seal populations as a reservoir of infectious diseases and whether viruses move back and forth between the wild animal populations and thus mutations of the pathogens are possible. Since the project is based on close cooperation with the seal hunters, the scientific knowledge gained will be incorporated into their work. The ITAW, among others, trains the seal hunters in the handling of marine mammals, but also in the recognition of infectious diseases. For them as first contact persons, the ongoing development and review of hygiene measures, infectious diseases and documentation materials play an important role. Microbiological examinations are important here, for example, because infectious agents such as seal distemper virus, influenza viruses, brucella and erysipelas have repeatedly been detected in seals in the past, which can be dangerous for seals and in some cases have zoonotic potential (infecting humans). In addition, the observations of the seal hunters are very valuable for the work at the institute. For example, if they report abnormalities in the animal or in the animal population, the investigations at ITAW can be adapted. Especially in view of the current bird flu epidemic along the coasts of Schleswig-Holstein, the detection of the H5N8 bird flu serotype on seals by the ITAW last year and the worldwide Corona pandemic, the virological investigations are to be intensified again in the current project year.

Results:

Bericht (PDF) Untersuchungen zum Gesundheitszustand von Seehunden in Schleswig-Holstein im Jahr 2022

https://www.schleswig-holstein.de/DE/fachinhalte/A/artenschutz/Downloads/seehundbericht2022.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2

Funding: Ministerium für Energiewende, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Natur des Landes Schleswig-Holstein, 64.600 EUR

Project Details:
Raccoon dogs and raccoons are neozoa, invasive species that are not originally situated in Germany. Both species are potential reservoirs for infectious diseases and as oppotunistic carnivores they can also influence our native fauna as predators and competitors.
In our project we investigated in total 140 animals over two years. We want to analyse the influence and the risk of these alien species on our native fauna. Therefore, we want to assess the health status, especially the occurance of zoonotic and infectious diseases and the nutrition of the animals.
The analysis of the samples and data is still ongoing. All animals underwent a full necropsy and the analysis of histopathological, bacteriological, virological, parasitological and toxicological samples is taking place. In addition, stomach content analysis and age determination is done.

Results:

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/12/12/1379

Funding: Ministerium für Energiewende, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Natur des Landes Schleswig-Holstein (MEKUN), 48.739 EUR

Project Details:
Harbor porpoises are the only native cetacean species in the waters of the North Sea and Baltic Sea of Schleswig-Holstein. Harbor porpoise habitat is under increasing pressure from growing human activities, which include, for example, shipping, offshore construction, military and seismic activities, fishing, changes in food availability, and exposure to environmental pollutants. Recent studies have now shown that the mean age at death of female harbor porpoises from the Baltic Sea is 3.67 (+/-0.30) years and from the North Sea is 5.7 (+/-0.27) years, and this is despite the fact that harbor porpoises can live over 20 years and do not reach sexual maturity until 3-5 years of age. Furthermore, counts of harbor porpoises in the German North Sea have shown that the number of animals in these waters is decreasing, including in the reproduction areas off Sylt. Studies conducted on 24 harbor porpoises from the Baltic Sea after blasts from British landmines showed that 10 of the animals had characteristic blast trauma. The dead detection monitoring funded by the Ministry for Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment and Nature, S.-H. (MEKUN) showed a very high number of dead harbor porpoises in the Baltic Sea also in 2021. The effects due to the pollution of environmental pollutants in waters of Schleswig-Holstein cannot be evaluated so far, because the required data is too limited. Chemical analyses for pollutants in the tissues of the animals have not yet been part of the regular investigations within the scope of the dead-find monitoring, but could be investigated in 2021 as part of a pilot study commissioned by MEKUN.
In order to gain new insights into the relationship between hearing damage and elevated levels of contaminants, this project will investigate specific contaminants in harbor porpoise tissues and examine the auditory apparatus of harbor porpoises found dead.

Results:

Bericht an das Ministerium für Energiewende, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Natur des Landes Schleswig-Holstein

https://www.schleswig-holstein.de/DE/fachinhalte/A/artenschutz/Downloads/untersuchungSchweinswale2022.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=2

Funding: Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., 289.316 EUR

Project Details:
All recombinant RSVs (rRSVs) will be rescued in HEp-2 cells infected with MVA-T7 via transfection of the appropriate full length BAC clone along with either the RSV-B17-058221 and RS V-B18-002094 helper plasmids. All rescued viruses will be analyzed by NGS at passage 3 to identify if any mutations occurred during in vitro passaging. If mutations are identified then COMPANY and INSTITUTION will discuss the
requirement for growth of additional independent rescued viruses, with the COMPANY responsible for the final decision.

Funding: BMBF, 45.234 EUR

Project Details:
The focus is on the problem that we classify animals according to human standards, such as those we love and those we fight against. Protecting humans from diseases that originate in the animal kingdom requires measures that are maximally detrimental to animals. The retreat weeks will focus on current and controversial research into zoonoses. Ethics and moral philosophy must also provide answers to the question of what boundaries we should draw for ourselves in these difficult decisions and what criteria we should use as a basis. The results are to be bundled into a model that can be used both as a model for questions in the scientific community and as a touchstone for academic discourse on an appropriate relationship to the "animal"

Results:

Triggered by COVID-19, zoonoses have moved into the spotlight of public interest.

In zoonosis research in particular, it is important to weigh up the potential benefits for humans against the actual harm to laboratory animals.

During a retreat week, experts discussed and prepared helpful contributions on conflicts in the field of "zoonosis research on companion animals". Based on real case constellations, an argumentative path through the numerous value contradictions was shown, which represents an extreme condensation of fundamental animal ethical conflicts based on real, concrete scenarios.

The project initially dealt with the clarification of terms: what makes an animal a laboratory animal, what makes it a pet? Where do the terms overlap and what is the legal situation in different countries?

The special nature of companion animals in the context of zoonoses was explored in an ethical and scientific manner. Younger researchers in particular were confronted with the ethical aspect of zoonosis research for the first time and found an ethical exchange on the topic very helpful.

The results of the project were documented in the special issue of the Journal of Applied Animal Ethics Research published in fall 2023 and provide a good basis for a refined model for future interdisciplinary writing projects. A continuation of the project from summer 2024 in the form of European summer schools is planned.

Funding: Landesjägerschaf Niedersachsen e.V. - Anerkannter Naturschutzverband, 22.863 EUR

Project Details:
The aim of this project is to compile the key statements from the literature published since 2009 on the subject of the influence of predation on selected small game species, meadow birds and other types of agricultural land. In addition, an overview of species protection projects in Germany over the last 15 years and the species mentioned is created, with special consideration of projects that are only known locally/regionally. The reason for this study arises from the fact that many species of open land, including those of wet grassland, have seen continuous and sometimes significant population declines in recent decades. This is often explained by the change in our cultural landscape. The focus here is on the changes in agricultural management forms in recent decades, as well as the general disappearance of suitable habitats, for example due to the cultivation of original habitats such as marshes, lowlands and moors and the wide and open wet grassland. In addition to the necessary programs for the conservation and improvement of these habitats and the habitat quality, the factors of predation influence and predation management deserve just as much attention. Numerous studies confirm this importance. The predation is to be placed in a close reciprocal relationship with the habitat and the weather. Optimum weather conditions and high-quality habitat enable high rearing rates and low mortality rates, so that losses by predators can be compensated. However, under today's often suboptimal habitat conditions in our cultivated landscape and an additional high density of predators, it is not possible to achieve sufficient rearing rates to stabilize the corresponding populations.The aspect of habitat quality is given more consideration in more recent studies than in the studies up to 2009. In addition, there are the results of a number of species protection projects that have not yet been scientifically published, but which undoubtedly provide valuable information for dealing with the predation issue.